WITH a deeper bench, Jerie Pingoy is confident the Adamson Falcons can finally get over the semis hump.
Jerrick Ahanmisi, Sean Manganti, Jonathan Espeleta and Papi Sarr are back, and Pingoy is also confident newcomers Jerom Lastimosa, CJ Catapusan and Jed Colonia will deliver in UAAP Season 81.
“I think the difference of this team right now is medyo mabigat ‘yung off the bench naming mayroon kaming kapalit sa first five,” he said.
“Then, maganda ‘yung chemistry namin ngayon so nakikita ni coach (Franz Pumaren) na kaya talaga naming mag-finals so lagi niya pinaparemind sa amin na ‘Hard work kayo kung gusto niyo magfinals,’” added PIngoy, who had fine performances in preseason tournaments after undergoing surgery to remove bone spurs in his ankle early this year.
The Falcons fell at the semifinal stage the past two seasons, both times foiled by La Salle.
Pingoy is confident they can reach the title series this time and the senior guard is hoping he can help deliver the first title for the university since since 1992 during the Kenneth Duremdes-era.
“We’re aiming for the finals talaga ‘yun ‘yung target namin,” Pingoy said.
“Makikita nila, Adamson’s gonna all-out inside the court, gagawin namin ‘yung best, we don’t say na we beat everyone pero gagawin namin lahat na manalo kami,” Pingoy concluded.
The two-time UAAP juniors MVP, now 23, is also hoping to leave a lasting mark at Adamson after moving from FEU in high school to Ateneo in early college.
“Kailangan ko din talaga i-guide ‘yung mga bata especially the rookies, ‘yung mga point guards kasi after how many years, two years ata, wala na din ako so I need to guide them para pag wala ako, they know what to do,” he added.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph